God told Moses to deliver a message to the Israelites, a message of hope and promise, one that would transform their destiny:
"Therefore, tell the people that I am God.I will take you away (והוצאתי) from your forced labor...and I will free you (והצלתי) from their slavery...I will liberate you (וגאלתי)...and I will take you (ולקחתי) to Myself as a nation." (Exodus 6:6-7)
But why was this oath necessary?
And why did God choose to use four different expressions of redemption to describe the process of liberating the Jewish people—each one a step toward complete freedom?
The Wise Doctor
There was once a man whose body had become a living museum of ailments. His headaches were so severe they could knock a mule off its feet. His sleep was interrupted more often than a TV show by commercials, and his appetite was so poor it wouldn’t satisfy a mouse. To make matters worse, his bones creaked and groaned like an old barn door every time he moved.
Naturally, he sought out a highly regarded physician, hopeful that this expert could restore him to some semblance of normality.
The doctor, after a careful examination, leaned back and sighed. Curing such a multitude of complaints wouldn’t happen overnight. But, as any experienced doctor knows, delivering bad news requires a delicate touch—and a healthy dose of optimism.
“You’re in quite a state,” the doctor said, choosing his words with care. “But don’t worry. Healing, like a good stew, takes time.”
The patient suddenly perked up. “Time?” he asked, eyes wide with a mix of hope and suspicion. “How much time? Days? Weeks? Months?”
The doctor, recognizing that the patient’s optimism was as shaky as a house of cards in a hurricane, cleared his throat. “Don’t worry. First, we’ll tackle the headaches. Then we’ll work on your sleep. After that, we’ll restore your appetite. And finally, we’ll address those achy bones. Step by step.”
But the doctor was aware that these words might discourage his patient. The poor man might think that he was unable to truly cure him, and could only alleviate some of the symptoms of his illness.
With a reassuring smile, the doctor leaned in. “I promise you, in time, you’ll be completely cured. But for now, we’ll take it one symptom at a time. And together, we’ll get there.”
Complete Redemption
When God announced that He would redeem Israel, He used four distinct phrases (leshonot). Four steps toward freedom. But why four?
The answer lies in the nature of redemption itself. For the Exodus, as monumental as it was, could not serve as the complete redemption of the Jewish people. It freed them from physical slavery, but it did not, could not, address everything.
To ensure the people did not lose hope, God began by speaking in the language of trust. He made an oath. "Lachein," He said, "tell the people that I am God." This was no casual statement, but a solemn vow, a binding promise that says, "I will not fail you."
God assured them that their immediate rescue would come swiftly. He would free them from the chains of Egypt. Yet, at the same time, He promised that the ultimate redemption would come later—when He would fully redeem them, in a complete and lasting way.
(Adapted from Mishlei Yaakov, pp. 119-121)
